Legislative & Local Updates for the 149th District for the Week Ending March 24, 2023

March 24, 2023
The deadlines to vote bills out of committees are quickly approaching. Once committees report bills out, the House and Senate leadership screens the bills and then bills come to the floor for a vote. If passed, the bills will go to the Governor’s office to be signed into law. 
 
Besides the bills coming out of committees I serve on, there are several bills from other committees that I’m watching carefully and advocating for. I’ve mentioned HB5441 - which is designed to recruit and retain college graduates in the fields of teaching and healthcare - in previous communications. Another bill I strongly support is SB937, which would recognize certain cancers in firefighters as a result of their job and provide these firefighters and their families the necessary protections. Providing presumptive cancer coverage would go a long way in facilitating recruitment and retention of firefighters who provide critical services to our communities. Read more here.
 
This effort aligns with my main legislative priority this session - workforce development. It’s imperative to ensure our public safety organizations have the resources they need to serve growing communities in order to continue our state’s economic growth, and our public safety agencies have identified recruitment and retention as key challenges.

Have a great weekend,
Rachel
 
 
Video Update: Capitol Happenings
 
 
Byram River Flooding Update

Last week, I met with the office of Congressman Himes and the Army Corps of Engineers to get an update on the flooding in the Pemberwick area of Greenwich. A study released by the Corps in May 2020 recommended the removal and replacement of the two U.S. Route 1 bridges on the border of Port Chester, NY and Greenwich, CT to address flooding of the Byram River Basin. 
 
Removal and replacement of the two bridges would manage flood risk by:
- Reducing the floodplain extent,
 - Reducing water surface elevations during riverine events, and 
 - Decreasing the risk of flood damages to structures 
 
With weather changes including more frequent and powerful storms, the proposed project will reduce flooding for almost a mile upstream of the U.S. Route 1. 
 
A Design Agreement to start Preconstruction Engineering and Design is slated for April 2023.
 
Public Hearings for the Week of March 27
 
Board of Estimate and Taxation Public Hearing

The BET will be hosting a hearing for the town, and I urge you to attend. On the agenda are possible cuts to Central Middle School and project delays of the Old Greenwich School.
 
Additionally, the elimination of a fire truck and reduction of funds for accessibility re: ADA sidewalks and continued meager funding for Nathaniel Witherell nursing home.
 
On the chopping block are a host of needed projects as well an amenities like pickle ball courts, ice skating rink and building maintenance.
 
Date: Wednesday, March 29, 2023
Time: 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM

Location:
Town Hall, 1st floor, Room 105 
101 Field Point Road
Greenwich, CT 06830
 
Civil Engagement Town Hall with the Girl Scouts, Congressman Himes

I was happy to attend a first-of-its-kind Civic Engagement Town Hall with Congressman Jim Himes, fellow legislators, and the Norwalk Girl Scouts last Thursday at West Rocks Middle School in Norwalk.

The Scouts asked a lot of good questions about government and the legislative process. They also asked if we knew we always wanted to work in the legislature, if there were any bullies in the legislature, and why we decided to run for office. 

At the conclusion of the event, the Girl Scouts became eligible for the Democracy Badge, which requires learning about local, state and federal government.  
 
Climate Action in CT
Over the last ten years, Connecticut has seen increases in severe storms, drought, and higher temperatures which have combined to cause damage to critical infrastructure and personal property, increase neighborhood flooding, damage coastal habitats and create other significant risks to public health and safety. Experts have even said climate change is the greatest public health challenge or threat of our century. The good news is we have an opportunity to work together to reduce emissions by eliminating our reliance on fossil fuels, using clean renewable energy and making little changes in our everyday lives to combat climate change.

In honor of CT Climate Action Week, I am sharing a report done by the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, titled Connecticut: Our Changing Climate that provides some great information on our state. I hope you will join me in the quest to raise awareness and get engaged. #ClimateActionCT
 
Rethink Waste Fair - April 1st

Waste Free Greenwich, in partnership with the Greenwich Conservation Commission, is hosting the 2nd annual ReThink Waste Fair on Saturday, April 1st from 11am-3pm at the Christ Church Parish Hall. The fair is an engaging, family-friendly event that explores creative ways to “rethink” our waste through the 6Rs: Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Repair, Recycle and Rot.

At noon, First Selectman Camillo and town officials will issue an Earth Day Proclamation, and the Greenwich Sustainability Committee will announce the recipients of its newly established Sustainability Award, which recognizes Greenwich residents who embody the principles of the committee.

For further information, visit https://www.wastefreegreenwich.org/events/2023/1/15/rethink-waste-fair 
 
YWCA Greenwich Presents: A Conversation with Drea Kelly